As we talk about Bible verses on government, I just have to say – Oh, America.
Can we all agree that we’ve come such a long way from political ads that look like Disney cartoons?
No way around it: politics are now a messy and volatile subject.
It didn’t used to be the bloodbath it is today. Politicians would keep up one appearance on the screen, usually shiny and professional. The behind-the-scenes world was limited to a carefully curated display. (And any undesirable information that got out = major scandal.)
Nowadays, it’s straight-up hostile. Tensions are high, politicians are blatantly outspoken, lines are drawn, and any conflict is fierce. I wrote this post years ago, and it only gets more critical and chaotic as the years go by.
As a Christian, I wonder: what is God’s perspective on government?
How on earth would Jesus respond to politics – to the elections, the hearings, the court cases, the laws? How can we as Jesus’ followers reflect him in all of this?
What does God say about politics?
Here are a few Bible verses on government.
***
The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. – Colossians 1:15-17 NIV
Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, whoever rebels against authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. – Romans 13:1-2 NIV
[God] sits enthroned above the circle of the earth, and its people are like grasshoppers. He stretches out the heavens like a canopy, and spreads them out like a tent to live in. He brings princes to naught and reduces the rulers of this world to nothing. No sooner are they planted, no sooner are they sown, no sooner do they take root in the ground, then he blows on them and they wither, and a whirlwind sweeps them away like chaff. – Isaiah 40:22-24 NIV [word added by this post’s author for context]
“Should we pay [taxes to Caesar] or shouldn’t we?” But Jesus knew their hypocrisy. “Why are you trying to trap me?’ he asked. “Bring me a denarius and let me look at it.” They brought the coin, and he asked them, “Whose image is this? And whose inscription?” “Caesar’s,” they replied. Then Jesus said to them, “Give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s.” And they were amazed at him. – Mark 12:15-17 NIV [words added by this post’s author for context]
Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone. – Titus 3:1-2 NIV
But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless. – Titus 3:9 NIV
Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe. Many seek an audience with a ruler, but it is from the Lord that one gets justice. – Proverbs 29:24-25 NIV
I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. – John 16:33 NIV
The Lord reigns forever; he has established his throne for judgment. He rules the world in righteousness and judges the people with equity. The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Those who know your name trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you. – Psalm 9:7-10 NIV
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as that of Christ Jesus: who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. – Philippians 2:3-7 NIV
***
Out of all of these Bible verses on government (or related to), I come to some of the same conclusions:
- God is the ultimate authority. He is in control of the happenings of this world, and not only that, but it’s part of his plan.
- People are people, and God is God. He can work through people for good – no matter what appears on the surface, whether we agree or not.
- It’s part of our responsibility, from God, to be subject to authority and to governing laws. But always keeping in mind that our allegiance is to God first. We won’t disobey him to serve people.
- The results of the elections or court cases or bills put into law are not the end of the story.
- Getting caught up in worldly matters and arguments doesn’t get us anywhere spiritually.
- Trouble starts when we have more concern about our own “rights” than what’s righteous. We should always fight for what’s Godly. When it comes to being up at arms about our “rights” – we might need to reconsider. (See Philippians 2 – The Bible says to not do anything out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, that we consider the interests of others, and avoid taking advantage of our “rights” – real or perceived.)
How about you?
What do you find in scripture (these or others) that helps you see politics from God’s perspective? What are your favorite Bible verses on government?
P.S. I know how heated conversations about politics can be. Be kind and generous, please. This site will remove unkind comments.
Scriptures are quoted from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Photo Credit:
2 – Anna Sullivan on Unsplash
3 – Kyle Glenn on Unsplash
We are God’s people. It saddens me to see were the world is today and that people have fallen away god for money and power. I pray ever day that the world wakes up and sees that God is good, that we need to put our trust in him and not government.
So with you there. Even though our government has a lot of roots in the Bible, it’s hard to see that these days. Praying for sure for our leaders to make the right decisions, and for us to unite in important matters and not be divided over lesser ones. Thanks for visiting!
Thank you for sharing this. The past year has been so difficult, and revealing in many ways. It is so sad to see Christian friends divided because of political beliefs. People even leaving the body of Christ. So sad. I see Satin in all his glory in all of this. What great pleasure he must have in seeing the division between God’s Children. We really need to rise above our worldly stances, let go of them, put our faith in Christ first and draw closer together in His LOVE in these difficult times. Blessings to you.
I’m with you on that, Beth. Satan loves division; God loves unity. It encourages me, though, that we have such a great opportunity to listen to each other, show respect and kindness to each other, and really do a good job of representing him in this world, instead of letting quarrels divide us! I hope and pray for that. Thank you so much for your kind words and for visiting!
Coming from a communist country many decades ago, and playing out the current politics in front of my eyes is frightening. While I reminded myself, and have to keep doing so, that our LORD is Who establish kings/kingdoms as they suit His plans and purposes and can also destroy them. My heart aches for this country and only can pray that the LORD would restore it to its original purpose.
Thank you for sharing, Hazel! I think that is the most important thing – remembering who is really in control. My biggest prayer at the moment is that the Church can really be God’s Church at this time, and that we keep looking up and pointing people back to him.